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war cloud

American  

noun

  1. something that threatens war; a harbinger of conflict.


Etymology

Origin of war cloud

First recorded in 1820–30

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

China’s three largest airlines returned to profit in the first quarter, but the recovery may prove short-lived as higher fuel costs due to the Middle East war cloud the outlook and threaten bottom lines.

From The Wall Street Journal Apr. 30, 2026

It was not until the black war cloud of rebellion broke upon us that we really appreciated the Citizen Soldier at his full worth.

From Modern Eloquence: Vol III, After-Dinner Speeches P-Z by Various

There is no doubt that most of our people were taken by surprise and that they were aghast at the sudden gathering of the war cloud.

From Q.6.a and Other places Recollections of 1916, 1917 and 1918 by Buckley, Francis

His opinion of the situation proved correct, and the alarming war cloud that had hung over the Northwest melted and dissolved.

From The Greater Republic A History of the United States by Morris, Charles

But again the war cloud seemed to hover over the establishment, and again the Sheriff's officers appeared in force.

From The Mapleson Memoirs, vol I 1848-1888 by Mapleson, James H.

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